Freight train strikes, kills pedestrian in Canby

Police block off the area of where a Union Pacific train struck and killed a pedestrian in Canby, Oregon on Thursday night, Feb. 1, 2018. (Photo: Tim Hurtt/KATU News)

CANBY, Ore. —

A Union Pacific freight train struck and killed a pedestrian Thursday night, according to the Canby Police Department.

Chief Bret Smith said the victim was male.

The crash happened at 99E and Ivy. According to Union Pacific, it happened at about 7:30 p.m. and involved a southbound train along the Brooklyn Subdivision.

"Our hearts go out to friends and family of the deceased," Union Pacific spokesman Justin Jacobs said.

He said the train's engineer and conductor were immediately connected with peer counselors as part of the railroad's Peer Support program.

An investigation is currently underway.

People who work near the tracks say they often see people dart across the tracks when crossing arms are down.

"To be honest, it doesn't matter what the situation is, it's sad," said Charity Gales, who works as a bartender at Rounders. "Because that's somebody's loved one and it might be somebody I know. It might be one of my patrons."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information becomes available.